Mermaid of Black Conch

Escape to the ocean with the entrancing, unforgettable winner of the Costa Book of the Year - as read on BBC Radio 4.

* MONIQUE ROFFEY''S NEW NOVEL, PASSIONTIDE, IS OUT NOW *

''Mesmerising'' MAGGIE O''FARRELL
''A unique talent'' BERNARDINE EVARISTO
''Wonderful'' BRIDGET COLLINS
''Brilliant'' CLARE CHAMBERS

Near the island of Black Conch, a fisherman sings to himself while waiting for a catch. But David attracts a sea-dweller that he never expected - Aycayia, an innocent young woman cursed by jealous wives to live as a mermaid.

When American tourists capture Aycayia, David rescues her and vows to win her trust. Slowly, painfully, she transforms into a woman again. Yet as their love grows, they discover that the world around them is changing - and they cannot escape the curse for ever . . .

''A bittersweet love story . . . A joy to read'' BBC News

''A fiercely modern mermaid story'' The Times

''Wondrous . . . A striking achievement'' Sunday Times

''Not your standard mermaid'' MARGARET ATWOOD